Square & Landmark

Smith Tower

📍 312 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA, USA

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3.5/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Seattle
Category: Square & Landmark
Duration: 1 hour
Opening Hours: Observation deck daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, last ascent 4:30 PM; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day
Ticket Price: Adult $10, seniors $8, ages 6-12 $5, under 5 free, includes Chinese Room visit
Address: 312 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA, USA
Coordinates: 47.6020, -122.3318

Introduction

Completed in 1914, Smith Tower was once the tallest skyscraper on the West Coast of the United States, holding that title until surpassed by another Seattle tower in 1931. This 42-story neoclassical building was designed by New York architects Gannon and Buhl, modeled on early Chicago skyscrapers, with a facade of granite and terracotta crowned by a pyramidal copper pinnacle. Named for developer Lyman Smith, it was once Seattle's most celebrated commercial landmark. The legendary Chinese Room on the 35th floor was sponsored by Seattle's Chinese merchant community in the early 20th century, with carved beams, mahogany furniture, and jade chandeliers in imperial Chinese taste, hailed as one of the finest Chinese interiors in America. Today Smith Tower houses luxury apartments and an observation deck; visitors ride a vintage cage elevator to the top for views over the Pioneer Square historic district and the Space Needle, savoring a century of Seattle's prosperity.

✨ Highlights

Pioneer Skyscraper

On completion in 1914 it was the tallest building on the U.S. West Coast, holding the record for 17 years as Seattle's first skyscraper, witnessing West Coast urbanization.

Legendary Chinese Room

The 35th-floor Chinese Room was sponsored by Chinese merchants, with carved beams, mahogany furniture, and jade chandeliers, hailed as one of America's finest Chinese interiors; reservation required.

Vintage Cage Elevator

The original 1914 brass cage elevator with manual operator remains in use; riding it to the top is the signature Smith Tower experience, like time travel.

35th-Floor Observation Deck

An open deck encircles the pinnacle with 360-degree views over Pioneer Square, Elliott Bay, the Space Needle, and Mount Rainier.

Neoclassical Architecture

Granite and terracotta facade, pyramidal copper crown, marble lobby with brass details, Seattle's best-preserved early skyscraper.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Sunny afternoons for views of Mount Rainier; evening for sunset and city lights

→Recommended Duration：1-1.5 hours including elevator, Chinese Room, and deck; combine with Pioneer Square half-day tour

→Language Services：English talks and self-guided brochures; Chinese Room has Chinese-language materials

→Opening Hours：Observation deck daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, last ascent 4:30 PM; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day

→Ticket Information：Adult $10, seniors $8, ages 6-12 $5, under 5 free, includes Chinese Room visit

→Transportation：In Pioneer Square historic district; Link light rail to Pioneer Square station, 3-minute walk; many bus lines

💡 Tips

• The Chinese Room is a private event space with limited visiting hours; call ahead to confirm and avoid disappointment.

• The cage elevator is small and slow; in peak season expect queues. Visit weekdays or mornings to avoid weekend afternoon crowds.

• Smith Tower sits in the Pioneer Square historic district; pair with Underground Tour and Klondike Gold Rush Museum for a half day.

• The open deck is exposed to Seattle wind and rain; bring a windbreaker. The deck may close in bad weather, check before visiting.

• Marble lobby, brass mailboxes, copper cage elevator, and terracotta facade are all original century-old features worth close inspection.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Smith Tower?

Observation deck daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, last ascent 4:30 PM; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day

How much is the admission for Smith Tower?

Adult $10, seniors $8, ages 6-12 $5, under 5 free, includes Chinese Room visit

Any practical tips for visiting Smith Tower?

The Chinese Room is a private event space with limited visiting hours; call ahead to confirm and avoid disappointment. The cage elevator is small and slow; in peak season expect queues. Visit weekdays or mornings to avoid weekend afternoon crowds.